Vega Baja inaugurates 2026 Municipal Summer Youth Baseball League

By THE STAR STAFF

Vega Baja Mayor Marcos Cruz Molina, together with Recreation and Sports Office Director Jonathan Gelpí, inaugurated the 2026 Municipal Summer Youth Baseball League at the Tortuguero Triple Park.

“We experienced the true spirit of sports, with around 100 young athletes set to enjoy a season filled with sports, camaraderie and healthy competition. This year, the league was dedicated to Aristarco Tirado Álamo, a distinguished son of Vega Baja, in recognition of his outstanding career and contributions to baseball. Aristarco began playing in our city’s Little Leagues and went on to play professional baseball, reaching the Triple-A level,” the mayor said.

Tirado Álamo also played in the organizations of the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Montreal Expos and Baltimore Orioles.

“We also recognized his outstanding career as a pitching coach, his work with Major League Baseball organizations and his contributions to the development of young athletes. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of Vega Baja baseball players,” Cruz Molina added.

“We wish all our young players great success. We invite the community to support our teams and enjoy this great baseball season together,” the mayor concluded.

Vega Baja is known as the birthplace of several prominent Puerto Rican baseball players, including MLB Hall of Fame Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez and star player Juan “Igor” González, as well as historic figures such as Luis Aguayo and many other players who have represented the local Melao Melao team.